U.S.President Joe Biden welcomed both countries’ applications to join NATO and shared our strong support for their accession into the Alliance as quickly as possible.
Speaking from the Rose Garden while flanked by Prime Minister Magdalena Andersson of Sweden and President Sauli Niinistö of Finland, Biden said he would send their membership applications to the U.S. Congress, where he hopes for a swift approval.
“Sweden and Finland have strong democratic institutions, strong militaries, and strong and transparent economies,” Joe Biden said. “And a strong moral sense of what is right. They meet every NATO requirement, and then some.”
During a historic moment for Finland and Sweden, President Biden welcomed both countries’ applications to join NATO and shared our strong support for their accession into the Alliance as quickly as possible. pic.twitter.com/3KjOI9eomM
— The White House (@WhiteHouse) May 19, 2022
”This is a historic moment for Finland, Sweden, and the world — one that will turn close partners into Allies and strengthen our collective security at this crucial time. I strongly endorse their NATO applications and will continue to support them as they seek accession,”President Joe Biden added.
Finnish President Sauli Niinistö said ,”Finland has made its decision after a rapid but a very thorough process. The process has once again revealed the strength of Finnish democracy. Starting from the strong public support, the decision was made with an overwhelming parliamentary majority and it also enjoys huge, strong popular support.”
“I want to assure you that Finland will become a strong NATO ally. We take our security very seriously. The Finnish armed forces are one of the strongest in Europe. We have also consistently invested in developing our capabilities. The Finns’ willingness to defend their country is one of the highest in the whole world. We are ready to contribute to the security of the whole Alliance: making the commitment to mutual security guarantees that being a NATO ally entails,”President Sauli Niinistö added.
In a tweet Swedish PM Magdalena Andersson said ,”Thank you @POTUS Biden for your support. Our ties are stronger than ever. Together, we protect democracy and build security. Sweden is best protected in NATO and the Alliance will be stronger with Sweden and Finland.”
Thank you @POTUS Biden for your support. Our ties are stronger than ever. Together, we protect democracy and build security. Sweden is best protected in NATO and the Alliance will be stronger with Sweden and Finland. pic.twitter.com/7GBPXMFAMZ
— SwedishPM (@SwedishPM) May 19, 2022
NATO Secretary-General Jens Stoltenberg made the announcement about Sweden and Finland on Wednesday at the alliance headquarters in Brussels.
❝You are our closest partners, and your membership in #NATO would increase our shared security❞
Secretary General @jensstoltenberg welcomes historic requests by #Finland and #Sweden to join NATO pic.twitter.com/CR7xT4vKS0
— NATO (@NATO) May 18, 2022
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Russia,Ukraine ,Finland ,Sweden ,US ,NATO , Administration,Europe